Los Angeles County planner Clement Lau discusses what the Affordable Care Act means for hospital construction, design, and expansion.
While discussions about the Affordable Care Act mainly have focused on how the healthcare law affects consumers, developers of hospitals and medical facilities also are feeling the impact of the legislation.
Clement Lau, a Los Angeles County-based planner, outlines some of the ways healthcare providers are rethinking design of new facilities and working to revamp older ones in response to the law.
With more people insured and baby boomers approaching the age where their medical needs have increased, larger facilities are necessary and hospital construction is on the rise, according to Lau.
He goes on the write about how hospitals and medical facilities are a key factor when it comes to planning and quality of life.
“…hospitals are very important to the quality of life in communities in terms of the medical services they offer, the jobs they provide, and the ways they contribute to the built environment. From a planning standpoint, we must be aware of the changes that are and will be taking place with regards to medical facilities.”
FULL STORY: A Hospital Near You: Part II

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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

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California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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